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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Traditional male circumcision practices among the Kurya of North-eastern Tanzania and implications for national programmes
AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV, Volume 23, No. 9, Year 2011
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Description
The World Health Organisation and the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS recommend male circumcision (MC) as an additional intervention against HIV infection. Various sub-Saharan African countries are at different stages of rolling out MC programmes. Despite initial fears, studies conducted among traditionally non-circumcising communities in Africa have shown that MC is widely accepted as a biomedical intervention. However, little is known on how traditionally circumcising communities where MC carries considerable social meaning and significance would respond to such programmes. This study was conducted among a traditionally circumcising community in Tarime district in Tanzania as part of a national situation analysis prior to initiating a national MC programme. It employed key informant interviews and focus group discussions for data collection. Results show that the Kurya ethnic group practice MC as a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood. Each clan organises its own circumcision ceremony, which takes place every even numbered years. Clan leaders and traditional circumcisers are central to its organisation. Among the Kurya, there is high regard for traditional MC as it is perceived as upholding cultural practice and identity. It also embodies notions of bravery since anaesthetics are not used. On the other hand, medical MC is not viewed as prestigious since anaesthetics are used to suppress pain. Social pressure for traditional MC is applied through ridiculing of those uncircumcised or circumcised at health facilities. In general, there are positive attitudes towards MC as it is perceived as enhancing personal hygiene and having a protective effect against sexually transmitted infections. For the success of nation-wide MC programmes, there is need to develop programmes that incorporate both clinical and sociocultural interests. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.
Authors & Co-Authors
Mshana, Gerry Hillary
Tanzania, Tanga
National Institute for Medical Research Tanga
Wambura, Mwita
Tanzania, Tanga
National Institute for Medical Research Tanga
Mwanga, Joseph Rogathe
Tanzania, Tanga
National Institute for Medical Research Tanga
Mosha, Jacklin F.
Tanzania, Tanga
National Institute for Medical Research Tanga
Mosha, Frank F.
Tanzania, Tanga
National Institute for Medical Research Tanga
Changalucha, John M.
Tanzania, Tanga
National Institute for Medical Research Tanga
Statistics
Citations: 36
Authors: 6
Affiliations: 1
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1080/09540121.2011.554518
ISSN:
09540121
e-ISSN:
13600451
Research Areas
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Randomised Control Trial
Grounded Theory
Phenomenological Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
Tanzania
Participants Gender
Male